New Delhi: Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh said that he is ready to give "more than hundred percent for any franchise" that picks him during the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) auctions which will take place on Sunday.
"Obviously, one would like to play for the Punjab franchise as there is a certain city connect but this HIL and I am ready to play for any of the five franchise. Whether I play for Ranchi or Delhi, I will give my hundred percent," Sandeep told PTI on the eve of the auctions. For him, the HIL means a new beginning in Indian hockey which will help the nation get a strong hockey team.
"A competitive HIL means that India will be able to field a stronger team in the international tournaments. We have done fairly well in the Champions Trophy and HIL will only help the players get better playing alongside Teun de Nooijer, Mohammed Imran, Jamie Dwyer to name a few.
"I feel that even after playing in the national team for so long, I have a chance to improve when I compete with the best in the world. In next few years, performance in HIL will certainly be a benchmark for selection in national team," Sandeep explained. The short-corner specialist also stressed on the financial aspect of the league.
"Obviously, the monetary part is important. The youngsters will get motivated and try to push themselves harder to attain the next level as they know that they would be suitably rewarded. I am a marquee player and certainly that means a lot of responsibility," Sandeep stated.
Meanwhile, the five franchises will be competing hard for the senior India players. While Sardar Singh is likely to fetch one of the highest prices, Sandeep Singh, V Raghunath, Danish Mujtaba won't be far behind. The performance in the recently concluded Champions Trophy will be taken into account.
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